1

SAJC H2 Chemistry 2022 JC1 Final Examination Suggested Solutions

Section A

1 Which statement about relative atomic mass is correct?

A It is the average mass of 1 mole of atoms of an element.

B It is the mass of 1 atom of an element multiplied by 6.02 × 1023.

C 1
It is the ratio of the mass of 1 atom of an element to 12 the mass of 1 atom of 12C.

D 1
It is the ratio of the average mass of 1 mole of atoms of an element to 12 the mass of 1 mole of
12
C atoms.
Answer: D
Average mass of 1 atom of the element
Ar =
1
x mass of 1 atom of 12C
12

2 The hardness present in a water sample due to dissolve Ca2+ ions can be determined by using an ion-
exchange column as shown in the diagram.

A 100 cm3 sample of a solution containing CaSO4 was passed through the ion-exchange resin. The
Ca2+ ions in the sample were quantitatively exchanged by H+ ions.

Ca2+ + H+—resin—H+ → Ca2+—resin + 2H+

The sample collected in the flask required 25.00 cm3 of 1.0 × 10–2 mol dm-3 aqueous KOH for complete
neutralisation.
What was the concentration of CaSO4 in the original sample?
A 1.25 x 10−3 B 2.50 x 10−3 C 5.00 x 10−3 D 2.50 x 10−2
Answer: A
OH– + H+ → H2O
Amount of H+ = amount of OH–
= 25.00/1000 x 1.0x10−2 = 2.50 x 10−4 mol
Amount of CaSO4 = amount of Ca2+
 2

= ½ x 2.50 x 10−4=1.25 x 10−4 mol

Concentration of CaSO4 = [1.25 x 10−4/100] x1000
=1.25 x10−3 mol dm−3

3 In an experiment, a sample was vaporised, ionised and passed through an electric field. Analysis of
the deflection occurring at the electric region revealed the following data for the sample. It was
observed that a beam of 35Cl− gives an angle of deflection of 3°.

+ 16O2–

 35Cl−

r
Source

What is the possible identity of unknown particle, r, and the value of  ?

r 
7
A Li+ 13.1
7
B Li+ 15.0
39
C K+ 2.7
39
D K+ 13.1
Answer: D
charge charge
Angle of deflection α mass
, angle = k x mass
charge 1
For 35Cl–, k x mass
= k x 35 = 3o ➔ k = 105o
charge 2
For 16O2–, angle = k x mass
= 105 x 16 = 13.1o
charge 1
For 7Li+, angle = k x mass
= 105 x 7 = 15 o (too large to be angle for r)
charge 1
For 39K+, angle = k x mass
= 105 x 39 = 2.69o
 3

4 Use of the Data Booklet is relevant to this question.

Paramagnetic substances contain unpaired electrons.

Which of the following species are paramagnetic?

1 Cr3+
2 Fe2+
3 Ca

A 1 only
B 1 and 2
C 2 and 3
D 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Cr: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d54s1
Cr3+: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d3
Fe: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d64s2
Fe2+: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d6
Ca: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2

5 The successive ionisation energies of an element, T, is given below.

I.E./ kJ mol−1 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th
T 941 2045 2973 4144 6590 7880 14990
Which of the following statements can be deduced from the information above?
1 T can form oxides with the formula TO2.
2 T is a gas at room temperature and pressure.
3 T does not have paired electrons in the same orbital in its outermost p subshell.

A 1 and 2 only
B 2 and 3 only
C 1 and 3 only
D 1 only
Answer: D

Statement 1 – T shows a significant jump from the 6th to 7th IE, hence the 7th electron removed must
be from the inner shell, T has 6 valence electrons, and must be from Grp 16, same group as oxygen
and sulfur. Since in the same group as sulfur, it should be able to form analogues of SO2 as well.

Statement 2 – Not enough information is provided. On the other hand, the only member of Group 16
to be a gas is oxygen, and the IE data for oxygen indicates clearly that it is not T from its comparison
 4

with the values in the data booklet. Since the atom below oxygen is sulfur which is a solid at room
temperature and pressure, it can be predicted that the trend down the group should be a solid too due
to the increase in number of electrons.

Statement 3 – As T is in group 16, its outermost electronic configuration is ns2 np4. There must be a
pair of electrons in an orbital in the p subshell.

6 Solid ethylammonium chloride, C2H5NH3Cl, has the following structure:

+ –
NH3 Cl
Which types of chemical bonds are present in solid ethylammonium chloride?
1 Hydrogen bonds
2 Ionic bonds
3 Dative covalent bonds

A 2 only
B 1 and 3 only
C 2 and 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
Dative bond is present when lone pair of electrons on the N in C6H5NH2 is donated to H+, analogous
to the N in NH3 donating a pair of electrons to H+ to form NH4+.
 5

7 In which of the following pairs would compound I have a lower boiling point than compound II?

I II
A MgO Na2O
B SiH4 CH4
C AlCl3 NaCl
D cis−C2H2Cl2 trans− C2H2Cl2
Answer: C
AlCl3 exists as a simple covalent molecule and boiling involves overcoming weaker id-id attractions
whereas NaCl has giant ionic lattice structure and boiling involves overcoming stronger ionic bonds.
𝑞+ 𝑞−
A is not correct as using │LE│α │ 𝑟+ 𝑟− │, MgO would have higher LE as Mg2+ has higher charge than

Na+, hence more energy req to overcome the stronger ionic bonds and MgO has higher boiling point.
B is not correct as SiH4 and CH4 are both non-polar simple covalent compounds. SiH4 has more
electrons, hence has stronger instantaneous dipole-induced dipole interactions, and has higher boiling
point.
D is not correct as in the liquid state, the higher polarity of the cis-isomer allows it to have stronger
permanent dipole-permanent dipole interactions, hence the cis isomer has a higher boiling point.

Note: the trans isomer has higher melting point as the molecules can be ‘stacked’ closer together
compared to cis isomers.

Cis isomer Trans isomer

 6

8 Which of the following diagrams correctly describes the behaviour of a fixed mass of an ideal gas at
constant temperature? (T is measured in K.)
A B
p p

V density
C p D
T
pV
RT

V V

Answer: D
Option A is incorrect
1
pV = nRT ⇒ p 
V

Option B is incorrect

m  m  RT
pV = RT ⇒ p =  
M V  M
RT
⇒ p = density x
M
⇒ p  density

Option C is incorrect
p  1 p 1
pV = nRT ⇒ = nR   ⇒ 
T V  T V

Option D is correct
pV = nRT
pV
= n = constant
RT
 7

9 W, X, Y and Z are consecutive elements in Period 3. Element W has an oxide that can react with
NaOH, and the first ionisation energy of element Z is lower than Y.
Which of the following shows the identities of elements W, X, Y and Z?
W X Y Z
A Na Mg Al Si
B Mg Al Si P
C Al Si P S
D Si P S Cl
Answer: C
Since first ionisation energy of Z is lower than Y, Y and Z must be either in Groups 2 and 13 or 15 and
16 respectively.
Option C can be chosen as Al2O3 is amphoteric and can react with alkali.

10 The following four statements were made about the properties of sulfur or its compounds.
Which statement about sulfur or its compounds is incorrect?
A Sulfur is a solid at room temperature.
B Sulfur is a non-conductor of electricity.
C Adding water to the chloride of sulfur will give an acidic solution.
D Adding aqueous NaOH to the solution resulting from the reaction of the oxide of sulfur with water
produces a white precipitate.
Answer: D
A: Sulfur exists as S8 which is a solid at room temperature
B: There are no delocalized electrons to carry the charges hence it is a non conductor of electricity.
C: 2S2Cl2 + 3H2O → 4HCl + H2SO3 +3S. Hence, an acidic solution is formed when water is added to
the chloride of sulfur.
D: SO3(l) + H2O(l) → H2SO4(aq)
When sodium hydroxide is added to the solution containing SO3, the NaOH reacts with acid and
forms a soluble salt. There is no white precipitate.
 8

11 An energy cycle involving the formation of 1 mol of iron(III) chloride is shown below.

Energy
Fe3+(g) + 3Cl(g) + 3e–

Fe3+(g) + 3Cl–(g)
H1

3
Fe(s) + 2 Cl2(g)
0

FeCl3 (s)

Which of the following combinations will give the value of H1?

[IE = ionisation energy and BE = bond energy, EA = electron affinity,
LE = lattice energy]
A Hformation[FeCl3(s)] + LE[FeCl3(s)] + 1st EA(Cl)
B Hvaporisation[Fe(s)] + 3Hatomisation[Cl2(g)] + sum of 1st, 2nd and 3rd IE(Fe)
C 3
Hsublimation[Fe(s)] + Hatomisation[Cl2(g)] + sum of 1st, 2nd and 3rd IE(Fe)
2

D 3
Hatomisation[Fe(s)] + BE[Cl2(g)] + sum of 1st, 2nd and 3rd IE(Fe)
2

Answer: D

Energy
Fe3+(g) + 3Cl(g) + 3e–

Fe3+(g) + 3Cl–(g)
H1

3
Fe(s) + 2 Cl2(g)
0

FeCl3 (s)

Option A is incorrect. The correct form should be

∆Hformation[FeCl3(s)]–LE[FeCl3(s) –3[1st EA(Cl)]

Option B and C is incorrect. The correct form should be

∆Hatomisation[Fe(s)] + 3/2BE[Cl2(g)] + sum of 1st, 2nd and 3rd IE(Fe)

∆Hatomisation is not the same as ∆Hvaporsiation as vaporisation only indicates change to a gaseous state, but the
metallic bonds between the atoms may still be present. The most precise term is hence atomisation.
 9

12 Which of the following processes is spontaneous only at high temperatures?

A N2O4(g) → 2NO2(g) H = +809 kJ mol−1
B 2CO(g) + 2NH3(g) → C2H6(g) + 2NO(g) H = +409 kJ mol−1
C N2O(g) → N2(g) + ½O2(g) H = –82 kJ mol−1
D 2NO(g) + O2(g) → 2NO2(g) H = –114 kJ mol−1
Answer: A
G = H − TS
For G <0 at high termperatures only, H > 0, and S>0. Number of moles of gases must increase
for S>0
 10

13 When an equilibrium is established in a reversible reaction, the standard Gibbs free energy, G, is
related to the equilibrium constant, Kc, by the following equation.

G = – RT ln Kc

where R is the molar gas constant and T is the temperature in Kelvin.

Which of the following statements is correct?

A Adding a catalyst makes G more negative.
B The forward reaction is spontaneous for all values of Kc.
C The forward reaction is always spontaneous at high temperatures.
D At constant temperature, a shift in position of equilibrium to the right results in the same value
of G.
Answer: D
A: Adding a catalyst increases rate of both forward and backward reaction to the same extent, hence
the position of the equilibrium remains unchanged.
Kc remains unchanged and hence G remains unchanged.
B: Reaction is spontaneous when G < 0.
For 0 < Kc < 1, ln Kc is negative and hence G > 0 (non-spontaneous)
C: Reaction is spontaneous when G < 0. For high temperatures of T, – RT<0. However, if ln Kc is
negative and G > 0 (non-spontaneous)
OR
For exothermic reactions, also not true cos POE will shift left, reaction not spontaneous.
D: At constant temperature, Kc remains unchanged. Hence G remains unchanged.
 11

14 Nitrogen dioxide, NO2, is a pollutant. It is produced when nitrogen monoxide, NO, is oxidised.
2NO(g) + O2(g) 2NO2(g)
The following data are obtained from an experiment on the kinetics of the reaction.
experiment initial initial initial rate
concentration concentration / mol dm−3 min−1
of NO/ mol dm−3 of O2/ mol dm−3

1 0.80 0.80 0.020

2 0.80 0.20 0.005
3 1.60 0.10 0.010

What is the order of reaction with respect to [NO] and [O2]?

[NO] [O2]
A 1 1
B 1 2
C 2 1
D 2 2
Answer: C
Comparing experiments 1 and 2,
When [O2] increases 0.80/0.20 = 4 times, initial rate increases 0.02/0.005 = 4 times. Order of reaction
with respect to [O2] = 1
Comparing experiments 2 and 3,
Using mathematical method,
0.01 𝑘[1.6]𝑎 [0.1]1
=
0.005 𝑘[0.8]𝑎 [0.2]1
[1.6]𝑎
4= = 2𝑎
[0.8]𝑎
a=2
OR
When [O2] decreases 0.10/0.20 = 1/2 times, initial rate will decrease 1/2 times, to 0.0025.
When [NO] increases 1.6/0.8 = 2 times, initial rate increases (0.01/0.0025) = 4 times.
Order of reaction with respect to [NO] = 2
 12

15 The graph below shows how the initial rate of reaction varies for an enzyme-catalysed reaction as the
substrate concentration changes.

Which of the following statements is correct?

A There are no more enzyme active sites available when [substrate] is high.
B When [substrate] is low, the order of reaction with respect to [substrate] is zero.
C When [substrate] is high, the order of reaction with respect to [substrate] is one.
D A large increase in temperature will result in a much steeper gradient when [substrate] is low.
Answer: A

A is correct – when [substrate] is high, all the active sites are occupied, which is why the rate is not
affected by increases in [substrate].

B is incorrect – when [substrate] is low, the rate is proportionate to [substrate], order of reaction is one.

C is incorrect – the horizontal line indicates that any increase in [substrate] does not affect the rate,
order of reaction is zero.

D is incorrect – enzymes are highly sensitive to their environment and can only work in a narrow range
of pH, temperature, and the presence of other substances. A large increase in temperature would
denature the enzyme and it will not be able to act as a catalyst.
 13

16 The equilibrium mixture in a flask was found to consist of 0.70 mol of SO2, 0.30 mol of O2 and 4.0 mol
of SO3 for the following reaction.
2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g)
The total pressure in the flask was 5.0  105 Pa. What is the value of Kp?
A 1.90 x 10−4
B 1.09 x 10−3
C 0.109
D 109
Answer: B
Total eqm amount = 0.70 + 0.30 + 4.0 = 5.00 mol
Partial pressure = mol fraction x total pressure
0.70
Partial pressure of SO2 = 5.00 ×5.0×105 = 7.0  104 Pa
0.30
Partial pressure of O2 = 5.00 ×5.0×105= 3.0  104 Pa
4.00
Partial pressure of SO3 5.00 ×5.0×105= 4.0  105 Pa
2
PSO3 2 (4.0×105 )
Kp = = = 1.09 x 10-3 Pa‒1
PO2 1 PSO2 2 3.0×104 (7.0×104 )
2
 14

17 The reaction between colourless NO(g) and O2(g) to form NO2(g), which appears as a brown gas, is
found to be in dynamic equilibrium. The equation for the reaction is
2NO(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2NO2(g) H < 0
In an experiment, a mixture of NO, O2, and NO2 gases were mixed and allowed to reach equilibrium.
Which of the following statements are correct when some additional O2 (g) was added to the system?
1 The brown colour of the mixture intensifies.
2 Temperature of the system increases.
3 Kc of the reaction equilibrium remains constant when temperature remains constant.

A 1, 2 and 3
B 1 and 2 only
C 2 and 3 only
D 3 only
Answer: A

Statement 1 and 2 – By LCP, system will reduce the amount of O2 gas, thus favoring the forward
reaction. Position of equilibrium shifts right, forming more NO2 (brown colour intensifies) and heat is
given off (temperature increases).

Statement 3 – Kc of a system is not affected by changes in concentration, but is affected by

temperature. If the temperature of the system remains constant, Kc will also be constant.

18 Which type of reaction is not shown in the synthesis below?

C2H5Br → C2H5OH → CH3COOH → CH3COO−Na+

A Elimination
B Neutralisation
C Oxidation
D Substitution
Answer: A
C2H5Br→ C2H5OH substitution
C2H5OH → CH3COOH oxidation
CH3COOH → CH3COO-Na+ neutralisation
 15

19 Cilagicin is a new antibiotic being tested that can kill multi-drug resistant Gram-positive bacteria. A part
of its structure is shown below.

NH
O
O O NH
HN O O
HO O NH

NH NH2
O

Which of the following functional groups is not present in the above shown structure of cilagicin?
A aldehyde B alcohol C amide D amine
Answer: A

NH
O
O O NH
HN O O
HO O NH

NH NH2
O
 16

20 Pyrethrins such as jasmolin I, are a group of natural compounds synthesised by flowers of the genus
Chrysanthemum to act as insecticides.

H3C CH3

CH3
H3C
CH3

H3C

O
O
Jasmolin I

How many stereoisomers are there for a molecule of jasmolin I?

A 2 B 4 C 8 D 16
Answer: D
H3C CH3

CH3
H3C
CH3

H3C

O
O

3 chiral centres + 1 cis-trans double bond

Number of stereoisomers = 2n = 16, where n =4
C=C in the ring structure does not exhibit cis-trans isomerism due to the restriction of the rotation about
the C=C in a ring structure.

–––––END OF SECTION A–––––

 17

Section B
1 Magnesium metal reacts with aqueous hydrochloric acid according to the equation below.
Mg (s) + 2 HCl (aq) → MgCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

The enthalpy change of this reaction, ΔH, can be determined by adding excess magnesium powder
to a measured volume of 0.200 mol dm–3 aqueous hydrochloric acid.

The temperature of 50.00 cm3 of 0.200 mol dm–3 aqueous hydrochloric acid is recorded for the first
three minutes. At the fourth minute, excess magnesium powder is added and the mixture is stirred
continuously. The temperature is recorded at the times shown in the table below.

Time / min Temperature / °C

0.0 29.5
1.0 29.5
2.0 29.5
3.0 29.5
4.0 –
4.5 42.5
5.0 48.0
5.5 46.0
6.0 44.0
6.5 43.0
7.0 40.0
8.0 35.0
9.0 32.0
Table 1.1

(a) (i) Calculate the minimum mass of powder magnesium that is needed to react with
50.00 cm3 of 0.200 mol dm−3 of HCl.
Pre-experimental Calculation: [1]
50
No. of moles of HCl = x 0.2 = 0.01 mol
1000
0.01
No. of moles of Mg required = 2
= 0.005 mol

Mass of Mg required = 0.005 x 24.3 = 0.1215 g or 0.122 g or 0.12 g

(ii) You are to plan a procedure that would provide the data in Table 1.1 to determine
an accurate and reliable value for the enthalpy change of reaction ΔH.
[5]
 18

You may assume that you are provided with:

• 2 g of magnesium powder
• 50.00 cm3 of 0.200 mol dm–3 aqueous hydrochloric acid
• the equipment normally found in a school laboratory

In your plan you should include details of:

• the apparatus you would use,
• the quantities you would use, so that there is an excess of magnesium,
• the procedure you would follow,
• the measurements you would make to allow a suitable temperature-time graph
to be drawn,
• how you would ensure that an accurate and reliable value of ∆Tmax is obtained.
Procedure:
1) Weigh about 1.00 g of Mg into a clean and dry weighing bottle .
2) Place a Styrofoam cup into another Styrofoam cup in a 250 cm3 beaker .
3) Using a 50.00 cm3 burette , transfer 50.00 cm3 of HCl into the Styrofoam cup.
4) Place the lid with a hole in the centre on the cup and insert a 1 °C or 0.2oC
graduation thermometer through the lid.
5) Stir the solution using the thermometer.
6) Measure and record the temperature of solution in the cup to 0.5 °C. This is the
temperature at t = 0.0 min .
7) Start the stopwatch and record the temperature of the solution at 1.0 min, 2.0
min and 3.0 min OR every minute from 1.0 min – 3.0 min.
8) At 4.0 min, transfer Mg from the weighing bottle into the Styrofoam cup.
9) Stir the solution using the thermometer.
10) Measure and record the temperature of the solution at 4.5 min, and then at
every half minute until 7.0 min, and every minute from 8.0 min to 9.0 min.
 19

(b) The graph of temperature against time has been plotted below using the data in Table 1.1.
Extrapolate the cooling curve to the fourth minute and determine the temperature change
during the reaction. [3]

Table 1.1
 20

Maximum temperature = 52.0 °C

Minimum temperature = 29.5 °C (allow 29.0 or 30.0 °C)
Temperature change = 22.5 °C
(c) Calculate the enthalpy change of the reaction, ΔH, in kJ mol–1. [2]
q = mcΔT
= 50 x 4.18 x 22.5
= 4702.5 J

50
No. of moles of HCl = 1000 x 0.2 = 0.01 mol

4702.5
ΔH = – 0.01
= –470 kJ mol–1

(d) When the concentration of aqueous hydrochloric acid used is halved, suggest and explain
the effect on
 21

(i) the temperature change, and [1]

Number of moles of hydrochloric acid will be halved and will result in half the amount
of heat released. However, this heat released is distributed over the same volume
of solution. Hence temperature change will be halved.
(ii) the enthalpy change of the reaction, ΔH. [1]
No change in ΔH since heat change is halved, no. of moles of HCl is halved.
or
No change in ΔH since the state reactants and products remain the same.

[Total: 13 marks]

2 Methylene blue, also known as methylthioninium chloride (Mr = 319.6), is a salt used as a
medication and dye.
Na

H3C + CH3
N S Nb
–
Cl
CH3 CH3

(a) State the shape and bond angle about each of the nitrogen atoms Na and Nb in methylene
blue. [2]
Na Nb

Shape Bent Trigonal pyramidal

118o
(any value between 110o –
o
107o
Bond angle 120 )
(107.5 also accepted)
Cannot be 120o due to
greater lp-lp repulsion

Methylene blue injection is used to treat a condition called methemoglobinemia. This condition
occurs when the blood cannot deliver oxygen where it is needed in the body. Hence, methylene
blue is also a promising drug for treatment against SARS-CoV-2 infected or COVID-19 patients.

(b) (i) Typical dosage of methylene blue is about 0.75 mg in each 500 cm3 saline (NaCl)
solution. Calculate the concentration, in mol dm−3, of methylene blue in the saline
solution. [1]
 22

0.75 x 10-3
[methylene blue] = 319.6 x 0.5

= 4.69 x 10–6 mol dm−3

A male patient was wheeled into the observation ward of a hospital.

He was initially given an injection containing 0.30 mg of methylene blue at 11.00 am.
He was then put on a packet of saline drip containing 0.75 mg of methylene blue at
11.15 am.

The decay of methylene blue in the human body occurs at a constant rate of
0.01 mg min-1.
(ii) Calculate the total mass of methylene blue administered to the patient, and hence
calculate the mass of methylene blue remaining in the patient’s body at 12 noon.

Only one packet of saline drip was used and that it was fully administered by 12
noon. [1]
Total mass of methylene blue administered to the patient = 1.05 mg
Total time passed = 60 min
Mass of methylene blue decayed = 60 x 0.01 = 0.60 mg
Total mass of methylene blue still within body = 1.05 – 0.60 = 0.45 mg

OR
At 11.15am, mass of drug remaining in body = 0.30 – (15 x 0.01) = 0.15 mg
At 11.15am, after packet of saline drip was administered, mass of drug
= 0.15 + 0.75 = 0.90 mg
At 12pm, remaining mass of drug = 0.90 – (45 x 0.01) = 0.45 mg

(iii) Given that the body mass of the patient is 75 kg, calculate the concentration of [1]
methylene blue, in mg of methylene blue per kg of body, within his body at 12 noon.
0.45
Concentration of methylene blue = 75
= 0.00600 mg kg-1

(iv) Methylene blue is able to distort blood oxygen values, and patients with methylene
blue concentration of more than 0.0100 mg kg−1 would often have false blood oxygen
values.
Would the male patient mentioned in (b)(iii) have false blood oxygen values during
his check-up at 12 noon? [1]
No because the calculated value is smaller than 0.01 mg kg−1
 23

(c) Nitrobenzene is a starting material for the synthesis of methylene blue.

NO2

nitrobenzene
Nitrobenzene is formed using concentrated nitric acid, concentrated sulfuric acid and
benzene, C6H6, under dry anhydrous conditions. Reaction 1 represents the first step of the
mechanism.
HNO3 + 2H2SO4 ⇌ NO2+ + 2HSO4− + H3O+ ΔH < 0 ---- Reaction 1
(i) Use Le Chatelier’s Principle to predict and explain what would happen to the position
of the equilibrium in Reaction 1 when the temperature is increased. [1]
When the temperature increases, by LCP, the system will react to lower
temperature/absorb heat/favor the endothermic backwards reaction, position of
equilibrium would shift left.

(ii) Comment on the sign for the entropy change for Reaction 1. [1]
The sign is positive as there is an increase in number of particles (from 3 molecules
to 4 ions), hence there is an increase in disorderliness.

(iii) Using the additional information from (c)(ii), determine the sign of ∆G. Hence
suggest whether Kc is smaller than, equal to or greater than 1. Explain your answer. [2]
ΔG = ΔH – TΔS
As ΔH is negative and ΔS is positive, ΔG would be negative for all temperatures.
This implies that position of equilibrium would be closer to that of the products than
the reactants.
Hence Kc should be larger than 1.

(d) Nitrogen dioxide, NO2, dissolves within rain-bearing clouds to form acid rain. It is also
involved in other processes that produce acid rain.

(i) Write two equations to show how nitrogen dioxide acts as a catalyst to oxidise sulfur
dioxide to sulfur trioxide. [2]
SO2 + NO2 → SO3 + NO
NO + ½ O2 → NO2
 24

(ii) With the aid of the Boltzmann distribution curve, explain the effect of NO2 catalyst on
the rate of oxidation of sulfur trioxide. [3]
Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of kinetic energies at a temperature T K.

total number of partices with

number of particles energy > Ea (catalysed reaction)
with a given energy for the catalysed reaction

total number of particles with

energy > Ea for the
uncatalysed reaction

0 kinetic energy
Ea
Ea (catalysed reaction)

• NO2 catalyst increases the rate of a reaction by providing an alternative

reaction pathway, one of lower activation energy (Ea (catalysed reaction)) than the
uncatalysed reaction.
• As such, significantly more reactant molecules have energy greater than or
equal to the activation energy for the catalysed reaction.
• This results in an increase in frequency of effective collisions.
• Hence an increase in the rate of the reaction.
(e) Patients with COVID−19 may use an oximeter to measure the oxygen saturation (SaO2)
level in their body.

Most people who are healthy will get an oxygen saturation level around 95−98% in arterial
blood. When the saturation level drops under 90%, confusion and lethargy occurs. Levels
below 80% are considered dangerous with increased risk of organ damage and require
immediate medical attention.

In the human body, one molecule of haemoglobin molecule can bind up to four molecules
of oxygen according to Reaction 2 below.

Hb(aq) + 4O2(aq) ⇌ Hb(O2)4(aq) --- Reaction 2

Kc = 3.00 x 1020 mol–4 dm12
(i) Write an expression for Kc for Reaction 2, and hence calculate the ratio of [Hb(O2)4]
to [Hb], given that the [O2] is 1.0 x 10−5 mol dm−3. [2]
[Hb(O2 )4 ]
Kc =
[Hb][O2 ]4
[Hb(O ) ]
3.00 x 1020 = [Hb](1.0 x2 10
4
−5 4
)
[Hb(O2 )4 ]
[Hb]
= 3.00
 25

Assuming that the [Hb(O2)4] = [HbO2], the oxygen saturation (SaO2) is given by the
following formula:

[HbO2]
SaO2 (%)= x 100%
[Hb]+[HbO2 ]

where
[HbO2] is the concentration of oxyhaemoglobin in arterial blood
[Hb] is the concentration of deoxyhaemoglobin in arterial blood
[Hb] + [HbO2] is the total concentration of haemoglobin capable of binding oxygen

(ii) Calculate the oxygen saturation in arterial blood for a patient who has the same [O2]
using your answer to (e)(i). Hence suggest if the patient would need to seek medical
advice. [2]
[HbO2] = 3.00[Hb]

3.00[Hb]
[Hb]+3.00[Hb]
x 100% = 75.0%

Yes (since < 80%)

[Total: 19 marks]

3 (a) In 1960, American chemist Willard F. Libby won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his
technique of radiocarbon dating. Radiocarbon dating is used to date objects.

14 14
Carbon−14, C, is formed when nitrogen−14, N, atoms are bombarded by high energy
neutrons from space. The 14
C atoms combine with oxygen to form CO2 and H14CO3−.
14

14
CO2 is taken up by plants during photosynthesis and accumulates in animals that eat the
plants. When an organism dies, it no longer takes in 14C and the amount of 14C decreases
as it decays.

14
(i) Describe the structure of a C atom, in terms of number and type of sub-atomic
particles. [1]
14
C atom contains 6 protons, 8 neutrons and 6 electrons
(ii) The decay of 14C atom can be represented by the following equation.
14
6C → X + -10β
Suggest the identity of X, including the mass and atomic numbers in IUPAC format,
14
e.g. 6C. [1]
14
7N
 26

(b) A pre-historic mammal died in a cave. The initial amount of 14C in the bones was 600 g.
The following graph shows how the amount of 14
C in the mammal’s bones changed with
time.

(i) Use the graph to:

• Deduce the order of reaction with respect to 14C
• Hence determine the decay rate constant, k [2]

700

600

500
Mass of 14C / g

400

300

200

100 t½ = 5600 years

t½ = 5600 years

0
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 16000 18000
Time / year

1st order with respect to 14C since 2 constant half lives of 5600 years
t½ = ln2/k
k = (ln 2)/t½ = 0.000124 yr−1
Note: in reality actual value half-life of C-14 is 5730 years
 27

(ii) Use the following equation to calculate the proportion of 14C that remained after 2000
years.
( 14𝐶)
ln( 14𝐶) 𝑡 = −kt
0

Where: k is the decay rate constant,

(14C)0 is the amount of 14C present in the sample at time = 0,
(14C)t is the amount of 14C present in the sample at time, t,
t is the time elapsed after the sample was collected. [1]
14
( 𝐶)
ln( 14𝐶) 𝑡 = −(0.000124)(2000)
0

14
( 𝐶)
ln( 14𝐶) 𝑡 = −0.248
0

( 14𝐶)
Proportion remaining = ( 14𝐶) 𝑡 = 0.781
0

(c) HCO3− is found in the bodies of animals through various reactions.

O
–
HO C O
The carbon in HCO3− is sp2 hybridised.
(i) Draw the shape of the hybrid orbitals around the carbon in HCO3−. [1]
 28

(ii) Draw labelled diagram(s) to show how the orbitals of C and O form σ and  bonds
in the C=O bond in HCO3−. [2]
-bond is a covalent bond formed when (2)sp2 orbital of C atom and (2)p / (2)sp2
orbital of O atom overlap in a head-on manner.

(2)sp2 orbital of C -bond (2)p orbital of O

(accept sp2 of O)
-bond is a covalent bond formed when (2)p orbitals overlap in a side-on
manner.

(2)p orbital of C
(2)p orbital of O

[Total: 8 marks]
 29

Section C
4 Nitroglycerine, C3H5N3O9, (Mr = 227.0) is an oily liquid that is commonly used as an explosive and
propellant. It undergoes combustion as follows:
11 5
C3H5N3O9 (l) + 4
O2(g) → 3CO2(g) + 3NO2(g) + 2 H2O(g)

(a) (i) Draw the dot-and-cross diagram for NO2. [1]

(ii) The bond angle in NO2 was found to be 134o. Explain why the bond angle is greater
than 120o. [1]
The bond pair-bond pair repulsion is stronger than the lone electron-bond pair
repulsion.

(b) Use data from Table 4.1 to calculate the enthalpy change of combustion of nitroglycerine.
/ kJ mol−1
Enthalpy change of formation of C3H5N3O9 (l) −354
Enthalpy change of formation of NO2 (g) +68
Enthalpy change of combustion of C (s) −394
Enthalpy change of formation of H2O (g) −242
Table 4.1 [2]

Hc
C3H5N3O9 (l) + 11/4O2(g) → 3CO2(g) + 3NO2(g) + 5/2H2O(g)

-354 3(-394) 3(+68) 5/2(−242)

3C(s) + 9/2O2(g) + 3/2N2(g) + 5/2H2(g) + 11/4O2(g)

Hc = 3(−394) + 3(+68) + 5/2(−242) −(−354)
= −1229 kJ mol−1
 30

(c) (i) Use of Data Booklet is relevant to this question.

When 2 mol of nitroglycerine is combusted completely to form gaseous NO 2, CO2
and steam, it inflates a propellant to a volume of 100 dm3. Calculate the final
pressure, in Pa, in the propellant, at a temperature of 500 K.

You may assume that there is no excess oxygen at the end of combustion and the
gases behave ideally under these conditions. [2]
Amount of gaseous products = 8.5 x 2 = 17 mol

Since pV = nRT hence

p = nRT / V = (17)(8.31)(500) / (100 x 10-3)
= 706350 Pa = 7.06 x 105 Pa
(ii) Of the three gases, steam, carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, suggest the gas
which deviates the most from ideal gas behaviour. Explain your answer. [2]
Steam deviates the most from the ideal gas behaviour as it has stronger
intermolecular hydrogen bonding than the weaker instantaneous dipole-induced
dipole attractions between the non-polar CO2 molecules and permanent dipole-
permanent dipole between the polar NO2 molecules.

(iii) Explain why these gases behave ideally at high temperature and low pressure [2]
At high temperature
The particles have a large kinetic energy to overcome the intermolecular forces of
attraction. Hence, the intermolecular forces of attraction can be considered
negligible/less significant.

At low pressure
The particles are far apart. Hence the volume of the gas particles becomes negligible
compared to the volume occupied by the gas. The intermolecular forces of attraction
between particles are also negligible/ less significant.
 31

(d) Nitroglycerine can be synthesized from Compound A.

NO2
OH O
HNO3 / H2SO4
HO OH O
O2N NO2
Compound A nitroglycerine

Reaction I

Mixture of organic compounds B, C and D + H2O

Figure 4.2

In Reaction I, a mixture of non-cyclic compounds B, C and D, with the same molecular

formula, C3H6O2, are formed together with 1 mol of water.

Compound B has the following structure

HO OH

Compound B

(i) Give the IUPAC name of compound A in Figure 4.2.

[1]
propane-1,2,3-triol
Also accept “propan-1,2,3-triol”
(ii) Compound A undergoes Reaction I to produce non-cyclic compounds B, C or D and
one molecule of water.
Name the type of reaction for Reaction I. [1]
Elimination
 32

(iii) C and D are isomers of B. Suggest the skeletal formulae for non-cyclic compounds
C and D state their isomeric relationship to compound B. [4]

Compound C Compound D

OH
OH

OH
OH

Isomeric relationship to B Isomeric relationship to B

……cis-trans/ cis isomer of ..constitutional/structural
B/stereoisomers…. /positional isomer

Compound E is an isomer of compound A.

OH
HO
CH3
OH
E

(iv) State the type of stereoisomerism which occurs in E but not in A. [1]
Enantiomerism
(v) Draw the structures of the isomers which illustrate this isomerism in E. [1]

CH(OH)2 CH(OH)2
C C
HO H H OH
CH3 CH3

(vi) Describe one similarity and one difference between the physical properties of the
isomers in (d)(v). [2]
They have similar boiling point/melting point/density etc
but different optical activity/rotate plane-polarised light in opposite direction

[Total: 20 marks]
 33

5 Phosphorus is a highly reactive element that is never found as a free element on Earth. It is an
element essential to life.
(a) Sketch and label the shape of one of the orbitals in the highest energy occupied subshell in
phosphorus at ground state. [1]

3px 3py 3pz

Can draw any of the three p orbitals, but need the label 3px/y/z.

Phosphorus exists in several allotropes. The most common allotropes are white and red
phosphorus.

(b) (i) White phosphorus, P4, has a tetrahedral arrangement as shown in Fig. 5.1, with a
bond angle of 60° between the phosphorus atoms.

P
P P
White phosphorus
Fig 5.1
Use the principles of VSEPR to suggest why P4 is unstable. [2]
Each P atom has 3 bond pair and 1 lone pair/trigonal pyramidal shape with a bond
angle of 107°. However, actual bond angle is smaller, hence, there is
angular/angle/ring strain/greater electrostatic repulsion between bond pairs and
causes it to be unstable.
 34

(ii) Phosphine, PH3, can be made in the laboratory by the action of aqueous sodium
hydroxide on white phosphorus, P4. In addition to PH3, the other product of the
reaction is NaH2PO2.

State the changes in oxidation numbers that occur during this reaction and use them
to construct a balanced equation for the reaction. [2]
Phosphrous is oxidised from 0 in P4 to +1 in NaH2PO2 and reduced from 0 in P4 to
-3 in PH3.

(iii) When white phosphorus is heated with chlorine gas, PCl3 is formed. Upon further
heating with excess chlorine gas, PCl5 is formed. When excess water is added to
PCl5, a strongly acidic solution is formed.
Write the equations for all the reactions described above. [2]
P4 + 6Cl2 → 4PCl3
PCl3 + Cl2 → PCl5
PCl5 + 4H2O → H3PO4 + 5HCl

(iv) Explain why PCl5 is able to react with water to form a highly acidic solution. [1]
PCl5 undergoes complete hydrolysis due to the presence of energetically accessible
(3)d orbitals to give a strongly acidic solution of pH 2.

(v) When white phosphorus is combusted with oxygen, P4O10 and another oxide of
phosphorus (Mr = 252.0) are formed. The oxide of phosphorus has the following
composition by mass:
P, 49.2%; O, 50.8%

Determine the molecular formula of the other oxide of phosphorus. [2]

Element P O
Mass / g 49.2 50.8
Amount / mol 49.2/31.0 50.8/16.0
= 1.59 =3.18
Simplest ratio 1.59 3.18
= 1 =2
1.59
1.59

n(31.0 + 16.0 + 16.0) = 252

n=4
Ans: P4O8
 35

(vi) Using the Data Booklet, state and explain the difference in the radii of each of the
pairs of species:
1. Atomic radii of a phosphorus atom and a sulfur atom.
2. Ionic radii of a sodium ion and a phosphide ion, P3–. [4]
1.
Nuclear charge of S is higher than P as number of protons increase.
Increase in shielding from P to S is negligible as successive electrons are added to
the same electron shell.
Valence electrons of S are more strongly attracted towards the nucleus, hence S has
smaller atomic radius/ P radii: 0.110 nm > S radii: 0.104 nm.
2.
P3- have 1 more shell than Na+, causing the valence electrons to be further away
from the nucleus and shielding effect to increase.
Valence electrons are less strongly attracted towards the nucleus, Na+ ion has
smaller ionic radius/ Na+ radii: 0.095 nm < P3- radii: 0.212 nm.

(c) Another allotrope of phosphorus is black phosphorus. Black phosphorus is considered to

be the least reactive allotrope of phosphorus, and has a structure similar to graphite. The
structure of black phosphorus is shown below.

Black phosphorus
(i) Describe the structure and bonding of black phosphorus and suggest why black
phosphorus is considered to be thermodynamically stable. [2]
Giant covalent structure with strong P-P covalent bonds throughout the structure.
Large amount of energy is required to break the strong covalent bonds.
 36

(ii) White phosphorus is widely considered to be the standard state for phosphorus.
Sketch a labelled energy profile diagram of the enthalpy change of formation of black
phosphorus from white phosphorus. [2]

Energy

Ea

White phosphorus
0
∆H <0 Black phosphorus

reaction pathway

(iii) Black phosphorus is an emerging semiconductor material. Suggest how its structure
allows it to behave as a semiconductor. [2]
Each P has 5 valence electrons however it is only bonded to 3 neighboring P atoms.
The remaining free/delocalized electrons are able to serve as mobile charge carriers.
[Total: 20 marks]
–––––END –––––